Strathpeffer Valley looking towards Dingwall

Strathpeffer Valley looking towards Dingwall

ID: QZP40_CARD_0402 DESCRIPTION: The River Peffrey flows through this valley to Dingwall at the head of the Cromarty Firth but up until 500 AD the mouth of the river was at Strathpeffer, five miles to the west, and the valley floor was mud flats. Gradually the ground dried out and became solid enough for people to build here. On the right, on the south side of the valley, is Knock Farrell. Knock Farrell is the summit of a ridge of hills known as the Cat's Back from which there are fine views as far as Craig Phadraig, near Inverness, and the cliffs of the North Sutor at Cromarty. It is crowned with an ancient vitrified hill fort which may have been a stronghold of King Brude. A vitrified fort is one where the ramparts have been burnt at such high temperatures that the stones have fused into a glassy mass. Fire may have been accidental, deliberate to strengthen the walls or the result of warfare. PLACENAME: Strathpeffer Valley OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Fodderty PERIOD: 1920s; 1930s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 32324 KEYWORDS: